Professional Education Report

Pennsylvania Department of Education

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
333 MARKET STREET
HARRISBURG, PA 17126-0333

Professional Education Report
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Entity: Lackawanna Trail SD
Address: PO Box 85
Factoryville, PA 18419-0085
Phone:
Contact Name: Robert Jurbala

Professional Education Planning Committee

Name	Affiliation	Membership Category	Appointed By
Alexandra DelPrete	Student	Other	Students
Alice Stuffle	Community Member	Business Representative	School Board
Jeff Gregory	Secondary Asst. Principal	Administrator	Administration
Donna Salva	Reading Specialist	Elementary School Teacher	Teachers
Edward Gaidula	Technology Coordinator	Other	Administration
Ellen Frank	Secondary Guidance Counselor	Ed Specialist - School Counselor	Educational Specialists
Frank Tylutki	Community Representative	Board Member	School Board
Gerauld Frost	Community Member	Community Representative	School Board
James Kotz	Teacher	Elementary School Teacher	Teachers
Jane Richards	Community Representative	Board Member	School Board
Janice Joyce	Curriculum Director	Administrator	Administration
JoAnn Radicchi	Special Education Director	Special Education Representative	Administration
John Richter	Teacher	Secondary School Teacher	Teachers
Kathleen Kelly	Teacher	Elementary School Teacher	Teachers
Kelly Hopkins	Parent	Parent	School Board
William Edwards	Community Member	Business Representative	School Board
Margaret Kerzetski	Teacher	Middle School Teacher	Teachers
Maria DelPrete	Parent	Parent	School Board
Matthew Rakauskas	Secondary Principal	Administrator	Administration
Brandi Thomas	Student	Other	Students
Robert M. Jurbala	Superintendent	Administrator	Administration
Robert Scott	Higher Education Representative	Community Representative	School Board
Stanley Harder	Teacher	Secondary School Teacher	Teachers
Timothy Ronchi	Secondary Guidance Counselor	Ed Specialist - School Counselor	Educational Specialists
Tony Dalasio	Teacher	Middle School Teacher	Teachers

Needs Assessment

1. The Lackawanna Trail School District has assessed the educational and staff development needs of the school district, professional staff, students, and the community served. This assessment was conducted through utilization of the following resources:
    .      Lackawanna Trail’s vision, mission, and goals established by the strategic planning process
    .      District’s profile information
    .      Professional Development Needs Assessment (January 2007)
    .      Federal programs monitoring reports
    .      Middle States (AFG) and evaluations
    .      NEIU 19 professional staff, parent & community, and student perception surveys
    .      Teacher induction evaluations
    .      Safe and Drug Free Survey
    .      Curriculum based local assessments
    .      Analysis of standardized testing results; i.e., Terra Nova, DIBELS, 4Sight
    .      Analysis of PSSA results
    .      Response to Intervention (RTI)

2. A District-wide on-line needs assessment survey involving district administrators and staff was conducted during the Fall, 2006. The survey assessed the professional development needs of the Lackawanna Trail School District. The results of the survey will assist the professional committee in making future decisions regarding the professional development needs at both the district and building levels. Detailed results of this needs assessment survey can be accessed in the supporting documents section of the professional education plan.

This survey was distributed to all professional educators in the school district. A comprehensive review of all the data, including the results of the needs assessment was analyzed to provide general, as well as targeted information, for the District professional education plan. As indicated by the needs assessment, the following high priority areas of professional development emerged:

    .    effectively teaching PA Mathematics, Reading, and Science Standards
    .    curriculum collaboration among teachers
    .    student achievement data analysis
    .    improving reading, math, and science scores
    .    developing and maintaining an effective teaching and learning environment
    .    differentiated instruction
    .    integration of technology

Professional Education Action Plan

Goal: MATHEMATICS
Description: At least 56% of all students will be proficient in Mathematics, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments.

Strategy: Benchmark Academic Progress
Description: Mathematics progress in grades 9 through 11 will be periodically reviewed for instructional refinement. Benchmark assessments will provide the progress data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
4Sight Assessment Analysis	Mathematics teachers will meet periodically to review 4Sight data on grades 9, 10, 11. Plans for improvement and refinement will be implemented based on the data results.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 11/14/2008 Finish: 2/12/2010	$1,600.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	3	15
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Administrators and teachers will meet to review, analyze, and interpret student achievement data, including 4Sight benchmark assessment results, to determine instructional needs of individual students and professional learning needs of faculty and staff.	Instruction that is aligned with planned instruction supports effective learning and student achievement.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals School counselors	High school (grades 9-12)	Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers	Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA

Strategy: Curriculum & Assessment Alignment
Description: Periodic review of planned courses to ensure assessments match curriculum in terms of state standards, assessment anchors, and eligible content.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Professional Development Sessions	Time will be dedicated throughout the year to allow staff to meet and align planned courses K - 12
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 2/11/2011	$5,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	2	62
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
The participants will be able to: 1) identify the content and skills that are to be taught; 2) analyze how content and skills develop over time (introduction, development, and reinforcement); 3) analyze the curriculum to identify gaps and redundancies; 4) align content, skills, and assessments with academic standards, assessment anchors, and eligible content.	Research supports the analysis of student achievement data to guide instructional planning and implementation.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents School counselors Other educational specialists	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Data Assessment Analysis
Description: Administration will meet periodically to review current district data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Administrator Data Analysis Sessions	Administrators will meet periodically to review current school and district data and utilize data tools available from PDE. Information gleaned from the review(s) will be shared/discussed with the teachers with the purpose of enhancing student achievement.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 2/11/2011	$1,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	2	62
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
1) Administrators will increase their skill in analyzing and interpreting data from various assessments; e.g., PSSA, 4Sight, including progress monitoring and RTI; 2) Administrators will be able to use data to monitor student progress; 3) Utilizing data analysis, administrators will be able to work with teachers, individually or by grade levels/departments to monitor instruction to adjust curriculum/instruction to align with current eligible content; 4) Administrators will be able to assist teachers to use data to drive instruction.	Analysis and interpretation of student assessment data provides a sound research-based approach to ensure that instruction, curriculum/planned courses/eligible content are in appropriate alignment.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Differentiated Instruction
Description: Teachers will participate in professional development focused on differentiated instruction and inclusive practices. Ongoing meetings will occur to facilitate discussion and planning for the practice of differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Inservice on Differentiated Instruction	Staff will receive training on implementation of differentiated instruction.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 2/13/2008 Finish: 2/10/2010	$1,350.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	1	101
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Teachers will gain understanding of differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Participants will be able to 1) articulate the essential principles/elements of differentiation; 2) utilize student assessment results to plan instruction which targets specific student needs; 3) engage students in meaningful and challenging learning activities at an appropriate level of complexity; 4) modify curriculum and instruction in response to student need; 5) demonstrate instructional strategies that support differentiation.	Differentiated instruction offers multiple ways for students to access content, to process and make sense of concepts and skills, and to develop products that demonstrate their learning. Differentiated instruction meets individual student needs and enhances student achievement.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals School counselors	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Improve the Academic Achievement of the Special Education Subgroup
Description: The special education subgroup has not met the annual performance targets of the PSSA Mathematics assessment. Activities will be put in place to raise their performance level.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Refine Learning Support Math Programs	Learning Support Math teachers will meet with the high school Math Department Chair to incorporate grade level math skills into Learning Support programs.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 1/22/2008 Finish: 1/18/2011	$1,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
1	2	5
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Teachers will gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics assessment anchors and eligible content and how it applies to the learning support student with accomodations.	The focus of this professional development will be to improve special education teachers' understanding of grade level content in math subjects and to improve their ability to teach this content to struggling students with effective instructional practices.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers	High school (grades 9-12)	Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Response to Intervention
Description: Response to Intervention (RTI) is a comprehensive, multi-tiered intervention strategy to enable early identification and intervention for ALL students at academic or behavioral risk. RTI should be applied to decisions in general, remedial, and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction/intervention guided by child outcome data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Data Driven Instructional Decisions	Build capacity into regular education teaching staff to use data to make instructional decisions.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 2/27/2009 Finish: 5/27/2011	$1,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
1	4	40
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU #19 PaTTAN	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
All teachers who teach math will learn to use curriculum based measures to ascertain what skills students have not yet mastered based on grade level academic standards and will plan instruction to teach these skills.	The body of research for effective instructional practices is clear that assessment must take place before effective instruction can be planned.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents Other educational specialists	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Kindergarten Early Learning Standards Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Classroom student assessment data

Goal: PARTICIPATE IN WAN CONNECTING IU18, IU19, AND DISTRICT MEMBERS
Description: To join an affordable, high-quality, Wide Area Network (WAN) connecting our district to IU 18 and IU 19 and its member school districts and vocational-technical schools using high-speed broadband connections.

Strategy: Commit to Join the NEPA WAN
Description: Commit to join the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) WAN at 100 Mbps-per district with affordable bulk Internet and Internet2 delivery.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Professional Development on NEPA WAN Resources	Professional development will be provided by service providers and the district and IU staff. The district technology staff will work collaboratively with the IU to oversee this effort.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Ed Gaidula	Start: 9/8/2008 Finish: 6/1/2009	$3,000.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
3	3	15
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Administration and technology teachers will increase their technical skills by receiving ongoing training related to the utilization of the PA Wide Area Network (WAN). The WAN allows school districts access to content resources via the Internet. Administrators and technology teachers will be able to provide necessary technical support to classroom teachers. As a result, teachers will be provided with a rich array of resources to support instruction and enhance student learning/achievement.	Technology brings rich resources, new tools, and powerful learning environments to the learning process. Students are often the earliest adopters of new technologies. Educational technology, when properly applied, provides an effective means for learning.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role		Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents Other educational specialists		Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers

Goal: READING
Description: At least 63% of all students will be proficient in Reading, as measured by the annual state-wide PSSA assessments.

Strategy: Benchmark Academic Progress
Description: Reading progress in grades 4 through 6 will be periodically reviewed for instructional refinement. Benchmark assessments will provide the progress data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
4Sight Elementary Initiative	4Sight testing will be implemented in grades 4, 5, and 6 on a quarterly basis. These assessments are closely aligned with the PSSA. Teachers will receive professional development on their use and periodic meetings will be held to analyze data.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 11/14/2008 Finish: 2/12/2010	$5,000.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	3	20
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Administrators and teachers will meet to review, analyze, and interpret student achievement, including 4Sight benchmark assessment results to determine instructional needs of individual students and professional learning needs of faculty and staff.	Instruction that is aligned with planned instruction supports effective learning and student achievement.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals School counselors	Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers	Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA

Activity	Description
Professional Development Sessions	Time will be dedicated throughout the year to allow staff to meet and align planned courses K - 12
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 12/12/2008 Finish: 3/11/2011	$5,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	3	101
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District	School Entity	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
The participants will be able to: 1) identify the content and skills that are to be taught; 2) analyze how content and skills develop over time (introduction, development, and reforcement); 3) analyze the curriculum to identify gaps and redundancies; 4) align content, skills, and assessments with academic standards, assessment anchors, and eligible content.	Research supports the analysis of student achievement data to guide instructional planning and implementation.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents School counselors Other educational specialists	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Data Assessment Analysis
Description: Administration will meet periodically to review current district data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Administrator Data Analysis Sessions	Administrators will meet periodically to review current school and district data and utilize data tools available from PDE.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 2/11/2011	$1,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	2	101
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
1) Administrators will increase their skill in analyzing and interpreting data from various assessments; e.g., PSSA, 4Sight, DIBELS (K-4), including progress monitoring and RTI. 2) Administrators will be able to use data to monitor student progress. 3) Utilizing data analysis, administrators will be able to work with teachers, individually or by grade levels/departments to monitor instruction to adjust curriculum/instruction to align with current eligible content. 4) Administrators will be able to assist teachers to use data to drive instruction.	Analysis and interpretation of student assessment data provides a sound research-based approach of ensuring that instruction, curriculum/planned courses/eligible content are in appropriate alignment.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Differentiated Instruction
Description: Teachers will investigate the use of technology to support differentiantion within the classroom.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Technology Integration	Teachers will participate in professional development to support the integration of 21st century technology in the classroom.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Robert Jurbala	Start: 2/13/2009 Finish: 2/11/2011	$1,300.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
3	2	101
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Teachers will learn to integrate technology in their classrooms.	Providing for individual student differences during instruction promotes increased student achievement.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Science and Technology
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Improve the Academic Achievement of the Special Education Subgroup
Description: The special education subgroup has not met the annual performance targets of the PSSA Reading assessment. Activities will be put in place to raise their performance level.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Professional Development	Time will be devoted to explore new strategies/techniques to meet individual student needs.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 10/8/2010	$1,800.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
3	1	7
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU #19 PaTTAN	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Special education teachers who teach reading will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in learning about additional instructional materials and strategies to improve reading skills of the low-performing readers. Special emphasis will be on using assessments to determine skill deficits and to match instructional practices to remediate these deficits.	Reseach on teaching reading is clear that effective instruction must start with data about individual student perfomance.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents Other educational specialists	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Kindergarten Early Learning Standards
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Response to Intervention
Description: Response to Intervention is a comprehensive, muti-tiered intervention strategy to enable early identification and intervention for ALL students at academic or behavioral risk. RtI should be applied to decisions in general, remedial, and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction/intervention guided by child outcome data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Grade Level Data Teams	These data teams will develop systematic Tier II and III interventions school-wide.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
JoAnn Radicchi	Start: 2/27/2009 Finish: 2/25/2011	$0.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
1	4	40
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU #19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Classroom teachers will learn to analyze the data taken from standardized assessments as well as curriculum based measures to plan effective instructional activities for each student.	It is clear from the accumulated research about student learning that individual student needs must be taken into account if all students are to meet academic standards. The research on effective instructional practices includes the use of data analysis to plan meaningful instruction for all students.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents Other educational specialists	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Kindergarten Early Learning Standards
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Classroom student assessment data decrease % spec ed (By systematically planning to meet the needs of all students within the regular education setting, the number of referrals to special education should decrease.)

Goal: SCIENCE
Description: The percent of students scoring at or above the proficient level on the Science PSSA exams in 4th, 8th, and 11th grade will be at or above the state average.

Activity	Description
Develop Adapted Materials	Develop adapted materials for special education students focusing on essential concepts.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Not Currently Assigned	Start: 5/14/2008 Finish: 5/11/2011	$2,250.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
1	3	65
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU #19	School Entity Intermediate Unit	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Special Education teachers will become more familiar with grade level science content and regular education teachers will improve their skills in making accommodations and adaptations to this content.	This activity will assist the school district in meeting the needs of ALL students in the least restrictive environment.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Other educational specialists	Middle (grades 6-8) High school (grades 9-12)	Science and Technology Environment and Ecology
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers	Review of participant lesson plans

Activity	Description
Professional Development Sessions	Time will be dedicated throughout the year to allow staff to meet and align planned courses K - 12
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 11/14/2008 Finish: 5/13/2011	$3,500.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	3	62
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District	School Entity	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Teachers will develop a clear understanding of the link(s) between instruction, curriculum/planned courses, and assessment and how it correlates with student achievement.	Alignment between curriculum, instruction, and assessment supports increased student achievment.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. Provides educators with a variety of classroom-based assessment skills and the skills needed to analyze and use data in instructional decision-making. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers Principals / asst. principals Superintendent / asst. superintendents	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Team development and sharing of content-area lesson implementation outcomes, with involvement of administrator and/or peers Analysis of student work, with administrator and/or peers Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Classroom observation focusing on factors such as planning and preparation, knowledge of content, pedagogy and standards, classroom environment, instructional delivery and professionalism. Student PSSA data Standardized student assessment data other than the PSSA Classroom student assessment data

Strategy: Data Assessment Analysis
Description: Administration will meet periodically to review current district data.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Administrator Data Analysis Sessions	Administrators will meet periodically to review current school and district data and utilize data tools available from PDE.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Janice Joyce	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 2/11/2011	$900.00

Goal: STUDENTS WILL LEARN AND PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY USING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Description: All students will learn and practice technology skills and ethical use of technologies that will prepare them for the 21st century workplace while maintaining alignment with the PA academic standards

Strategy: Embedding 21st Century Learning Skills
Description: All students will use instructional technologies to attain concept development, higher-order thinking, critical thinking, and applied problem-solving skills.
Activities:

Activity	Description
Professional Development to Support the Implementation of New Technologies	Provide professional development to promote and enhance teacher and student use of classroom technologies including, but limited to laptops, projectors, interactive white boards (SMART or Promethean), Digital Cameras and Digital Video Cameras.
Person Responsible	Timeline for Implementation	Resources
Matt Rakauskas	Start: 10/10/2008 Finish: 4/8/2011	$1,750.00
Professional Development Activity Information
Number of Hours Per Session	Total Number of Sessions Per School Year	Estimated Number of Participants Per Year
2	3	101
Organization or Institution Name	Type of Provider	Provider's Department of Education Approval Status
Lackawanna Trail School District NEIU 19	School Entity	Approved
Knowledge and Skills	Research and Best Practices	Designed to Accomplish
Participants will learn to integrate technology to support instruction.	When used effectively, technology can enhance instruction and contribute to an increase in student achievement.	For classroom teachers, school counselors and education specialists: Enhances the educator's content knowledge in the area of the educator's certification or assignment. Increases the educator's teaching skills based on research on effective practice, with attention given to interventions for struggling students. For school and district administrators, and other educators seeking leadership roles: Provides the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, ensuring that assessments, curriculum, instruction, staff professional education, teaching materials and interventions for struggling students are aligned to each other as well as to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Provides leaders with the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making. Empowers leaders to create a culture of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on learning. Instructs the leader in managing resources for effective results.
Educator Groups Which Will Participate in this Activity
Role	Grade Level	Subject Area
Classroom teachers	Early childhood (preK-grade 3) Middle (grades 6-8) Elementary (grades 2-5 High school (grades 9-12)	Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening Science and Technology Environment and Ecology Mathematics
Follow-up Activities	Evaluation Methods
Creating lessons to meet varied student learning styles	Review of participant lesson plans

Annual Review Process

The Lackawanna Trail School District Professional Development Committee will meet a minimum of two times per school year. The Professional Development Committee will review student achievement as measured by the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Benchmark Assessments to determine areas for professional development designed to improve student achievement. Additionally, the Lackawanna Trail School District Needs Assessment Survey conducted in January of 2007 will be used to determine appropriate options for professional development.

Evaluation procedures will include, but are not limited to the following activities:

1) Monitoring the Professional Education Plan
2) Analysis of Student Achievement Data
3) Needs Assessment Surveys to faculty, staff and administration
4) Evaluation of implemented professional development activities

Amendments to the plan, if any, will be recommended by the Professional Development Committee.

APPENDIX B

ENTITY INFORMATION PAGE

Entity: Lackawanna Trail SD

Address:
PO Box 85
Factoryville, PA 18419-0085

Superintendent or Chief Administrative Officer: Robert Jurbala
    E-mail: rjurbala@ltsd.org
    Telephone: 570-945-5184
    Fax: 570-945-3154

Professional Education Committee Chairperson: Robert Jurbala
    E-mail: rjurbala@ltsd.org
    Telephone: 570-945-5184
    Fax: 570-945-3154

Act 48 Reporting Contact: Debby Naylor
    E-mail: naylord@ltsd.org
    Telephone: 570-945-5184
    Fax: 570-945-3154

APPENDIX C

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REPORT ASSURANCES

We affirm that this Professional Education Report focuses on the learning needs of each staff member to ensure all staff members meet or exceed high academic standards in each of the core subject areas.

____________________________________________________________________________
Signature                   Professional Education Committee Chairperson                   Date

I affirm that this Professional Education Report provides staff learning that improves the learning of all students as outlined in the National Staff Development Councils Standards for Staff Learning.

____________________________________________________________________________
Signature                   Superintendent or Chief Administrative Officer                      Date

We affirm that his Professional Education Report has been developed in accordance with the laws, regulations and guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of the Professional Education Report as designated in Chapter 4 of the Regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

____________________________________________________________________________
Signature                   President of the Board of School Directors                            Date